Malella

Thanks redsquare...thats useful info! Last time I checked the exchange rate, it had gone way up to 1.68!!! Keep your eyes peeled! I use the XE app on iphone to have a look from time to time!

Hi all my money saving friends...hope all is well in the land of thrift! Sorry to hear about your house sale falling through Candygirl! Such a stressful time trying to sell! I also had tonsillitus last week...not fun with a 5 month old to look after! Lost a few lbs and saved a few £'s (on eating) in the process....lol! On the plus side, our re-mortgage deal was approved :ssign19:so we will be saving nearly £200 on this each month! Last mortgage company (who shall remain nameless) were robbing us blind! Thinking about whether it would be a good idea to open a bank account labelled solely as 'Australia Fund" that we do not touch with this cash?! Anyone done this? Anyone opened an Australian bank account to deposit cash into prior to moving over? Not sure if you can do this or not? I think I vaguely remember reading that it you do this the money cannot then be accessed until you have validated the account in Oz? Anyone with any knowledge on this? Cheers x

Hi Debs, just wanted to say congrats on your IELTs...another thing ticked off the list! Well done girl...be proud! My money saving has also slowed down a bit Candygirl, although we are waiting to hear if we have a re-mortgage deal approved, that will save some cash each month. Forgot how stressful it is gathering all the stuff you need to give them and then waiting to see if approved!! Deal rests on our house being valued at what we expect...not easy in this housing market. Got fingers and toes crossed!

Hey Debs, So sorry to hear that someone you trusted has done this to you. Like Candgirl said, it is glaringly apparent how dedicated you are to getting that visa! Shame on her for abusing your trust and good nature, knowing full well what you are going to through to get to where you want to be!! Hoping it goes well for you today...waiting to hear...hugs x

Stay positive Debs, I'm sure they will be able to do something for you! x ​

Best one pot meal I've cooked recently was a sausage, pepper and butter bean stew courtesy of Nigella...yummy and very filling....MmmmHmmmm!! One you've bought the more expensive ingredients for the cupboard it is a really cheap tasty bite...

Another fab money saving tip Debs! Not sure if its the same thing or not? Thanks for the response Cerberus1...will see what I can find.

Hi, someone advised it would be useful to subscribe to Emigrate Magazine...anyone know how to go about this? Not been able to find a link? ​

Thats great Debs...this thread has also helped me think more about the money we spend that is not necessary! Don't you hate it when people are like....but you can't NOT go...or you can't NOT drink....?!!! Err I think I can...you go girl, stay strong!

Hi folks...how are we all? The sun is shining here this morning... Got another one for you...house insurance...called mine up and as we had 6 years no claims (who knew?!!) they reduced my monthly payments by 35%! Any nice plans for the weekend? We are having a wee jaunt to the shops today to buy an outfit for friends wee one's christening...looking at the sale rails obviously!

A reality check is always welcome and its possible we may face not getting a job in chosen field...apologies Elfie if I've picked you up wrongly. I'm blaming lack of sleep at the moment with a newborn...

Great post Linda, we have to remember that our our motivations are all personal and the level of conviction in our decision will vary...

Elfie, It sounds like you are perhaps feeling a bit disheartened by the move and the stresses it has brought, such as looking for work. It can't be easy, so kudos to you firstly for giving it a go and secondly for sticking it out! While its great you are giving a dose of reality by pointing out the difficulties, your wishing me luck seemed to suggest you fully expect me not to get work? The tone of particular posts are hard to read however, so I might be wrong? Embarking on a huge move as this is daunting and I'm here to seek support, as well as balanced views on the hurdles ahead...thanks for your input.

I can live with the "shallow" stuff fifi69! After the winter we have had and the summer we are likely to have, I am up for some sunshine in my life. I think I am prepared that it will be hard and life goes on...if it doesn't work out then we'll move mountains to come back.

Hi Elfie, No, our reasons are not just to give children a better life, though this is part of it. Without wanting to spend too much time time justifying our decision, it is also about our life as a family. My husband is currently forced to work away from home, due to lack of employment opportunities where we live. With a new baby at home this is an emotional wrench and as baby gets older they will no doubt begin to miss Daddy. One hope is that we can live and work in Australia with husband coming home at night to spend time with us. With regard to social problems I am well aware that this will be the same the world over. Actually my profession relies on social problems and crime, so on the plus side perhaps it means there will be plenty of jobs for me when we come...